--- title: Blog (5) description: Blog - BTL-UK LTD (5) --- [![BTL-Logo (default)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-v2-1.jpg?width=1999&height=887&name=logo-v2-1.jpg "BTL-Logo (default)")](https://btl-uk.com/) - [Home](https://btl-uk.com/) - [About](https://btl-uk.com/about-btl-uk/) Show submenu for About - [History](https://btl-uk.com/history/) - [Green BTL-UK](https://btl-uk.com/green-btl-uk/) - [News](https://btl-uk.com/news/) - [B2B Web Shop](https://btl-uk-shop.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.btl-uk.com) - [Product Catalogues](https://btl-uk.com/online-product-catalogues/) - [Manufacturing](https://btl-uk.com/manufacturing/) - [Warehouse](https://btl-uk.com/warehouse/) - [Quality](https://btl-uk.com/quality-assurance/) - Industries Show submenu for Industries - [Automotive](https://btl-uk.com/automotive/) - [Agricultural](https://btl-uk.com/agricultural-industry/) - [Construction](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-construction/) - [Industrial](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-industrial/) - [Motorsport](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-motorsport/) - Contact Us Show submenu for Contact Us - [Contact BTL UK Ltd](https://btl-uk.com/contact-btl-uk-ltd/) - [Home](https://btl-uk.com/) - [About](https://btl-uk.com/about-btl-uk/) Show submenu for About - [History](https://btl-uk.com/history/) - [Green BTL-UK](https://btl-uk.com/green-btl-uk/) - [News](https://btl-uk.com/news/) - [B2B Web Shop](https://btl-uk-shop.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.btl-uk.com) - [Product Catalogues](https://btl-uk.com/online-product-catalogues/) - [Manufacturing](https://btl-uk.com/manufacturing/) - [Warehouse](https://btl-uk.com/warehouse/) - [Quality](https://btl-uk.com/quality-assurance/) - Industries Show submenu for Industries - [Automotive](https://btl-uk.com/automotive/) - [Agricultural](https://btl-uk.com/agricultural-industry/) - [Construction](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-construction/) - [Industrial](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-industrial/) - [Motorsport](https://btl-uk.com/bearings-pt-linkages-motorsport/) - Contact Us Show submenu for Contact Us - [Contact BTL UK Ltd](https://btl-uk.com/contact-btl-uk-ltd/) - [BTL Precision](https://btlprecision-uk.com) - [Dunlop](https://bearings-transmissions-linkages.com) - [Medway](https://medwaypt.com) - [TC Oil Seals](https://btl-uk.com/oil-seals/) - [MSK Medical](https://btl-uk.com/msk-medical/) - [Abbies’ Army](https://www.abbiesarmy.co.uk) - [BTL Precision](https://btlprecision-uk.com) - [Dunlop](https://bearings-transmissions-linkages.com) - [Medway](https://medwaypt.com) - [TC Oil Seals](https://btl-uk.com/oil-seals/) - [MSK Medical](https://btl-uk.com/msk-medical/) - [Abbies’ Army](https://www.abbiesarmy.co.uk) ![BTL-Blog-Banner](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/BTL-Blog-Banner.jpg) # Blog [![Worker exploring the types linkages used in the machinery. ](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/Exploring-the-key-types-of-linkages-in-mechanical-engineering.png)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-the-key-types-of-linkages-in-mechanical-engineering) 20 Dec 2024 ## [Common Types of Mechanical Linkages and Joints in Engineering](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-the-key-types-of-linkages-in-mechanical-engineering) Mechanical linkages are assemblies of rods, joints and bearings used to transfer motion and force between components in mechanical systems. [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-the-key-types-of-linkages-in-mechanical-engineering) [![male and female rod end bearings used in mechanical linkage systems ](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/male-female-rod-end-bearings-1.jpg)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-rod-ends-introduction) 17 Oct 2024 ## [What Are Rod End Bearings? Types, Uses and Male vs Female Rod Ends](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-rod-ends-introduction) Rod end bearings connect components in mechanical systems, allowing controlled movement, alignment and load transfer. In this article, we’ll explore what rod ends are, how they are used, and the differences between male... [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/exploring-rod-ends-introduction) [![A precision gear cutting machine being used by BTL-UK. ](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/Why-you-should-choose-BTL-UK-for-your-Precision-Gear-Cutting-needs.jpg)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/what-is-precision-gear-cutting) 22 Aug 2024 ## [Why You Should Choose BTL-UK For Your Precision Gear Cutting Needs](https://blog.btl-uk.com/what-is-precision-gear-cutting) If you are searching for a high-quality and experienced precision gear cutting manufacturer, look no further than BTL-UK. With our years of industry experience and modern facilities in the UK, we offer bespoke gear... [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/what-is-precision-gear-cutting) ### Posts By Topics - [Manufacturing (15)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/manufacturing) - [Automotive (8)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/automotive) - [Supply Chains (7)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/supply-chains) - [Ball Bearings (6)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/ball-bearings) - [Linkages (6)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/linkages) - [Aerospace (2)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/aerospace) - [Oil seals (2)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/oil-seals) see all ### Recent posts [Idler Pulley vs Tensioner Pulley: What’s the Difference?](https://blog.btl-uk.com/key-difference-between-an-idler-pulley-and-tensioner-pulley) [What Are Mechanical Linkages and How Do They Work?](https://blog.btl-uk.com/what-is-a-linkage) [How to Measure a Missing V-Belt: Pulley Measurements and Belt Length Calculation](https://blog.btl-uk.com/measure-a-missing-v-belt-guide) [Mechanical Power Transmission Systems: Components and How They Work](https://blog.btl-uk.com/elements-of-mechanical-power-transmission-systems) ### Subscribe to our blog [Request a quote](https://btl-uk.com/contact-btl-uk-ltd/) [![The Manufacturer's Guide To Overcoming Distribution Problems ](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/0bc40963-9f09-4e87-a124-6f0254d1164e.png)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/the-manufacturers-guide-to-overcoming-distribution-problems) [![Free Catalogue](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/3a157c35-1675-4d03-92a8-b792d90da72d.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25963554/3a157c35-1675-4d03-92a8-b792d90da72d) [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/ef47fc19-6aa3-40cf-a6df-637d8e9458e6.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25963554/ef47fc19-6aa3-40cf-a6df-637d8e9458e6) [![close up of a piece of machinery projecting liquid to show why buy your parts from btl-uk](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/why-buy-your-parts-from-btl-uk.png?width=365&name=why-buy-your-parts-from-btl-uk.png)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/why-buy-your-parts-from-btl-uk) ## [How to Choose a Reliable Industrial Parts Supplier](https://blog.btl-uk.com/why-buy-your-parts-from-btl-uk) 15 Dec 2022 When sourcing industrial components such as bearings, belts, or mechanical linkages, selecting the right supplier is just as important as choosing the correct parts. Reliable components are essential for maintaining... [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/why-buy-your-parts-from-btl-uk) [![](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-freestocksorg-122164.jpg?width=365&name=pexels-freestocksorg-122164.jpg)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/increasing-manufacturing-shipping-costs) ## [What's Causing The Increasing Manufacturing Shipping Costs Worldwide?](https://blog.btl-uk.com/increasing-manufacturing-shipping-costs) 27 Sep 2022 As any Managing Director who has placed a shipping order recently knows, there has been a huge rise in shipping costs lately, for manufacturing but also many other industries. Since 2020 for example, some part costs... [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/increasing-manufacturing-shipping-costs) [![](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668834.jpg?width=365&name=pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668834.jpg)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/onshoring-for-automotive-manufacturers) ## [5 Benefits Of Onshoring For Automotive Manufacturers](https://blog.btl-uk.com/onshoring-for-automotive-manufacturers) 20 Sep 2022 If you're in charge of purchasing for an automotive manufacturer, you'll always be looking to make the ordering process more efficient and less costly. One way of doing this is by choosing onshore parts, materials or... [Read More](https://blog.btl-uk.com/onshoring-for-automotive-manufacturers) [First](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/1) [Prev](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/4) [1](https://blog.btl-uk.com) [2](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/2) [3](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/3) [4](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/4) [5](https://blog.btl-uk.com/page/5) Next Last ### Posts By Topics - [Manufacturing (15)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/manufacturing) - [Automotive (8)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/automotive) - [Supply Chains (7)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/supply-chains) - [Ball Bearings (6)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/ball-bearings) - [Linkages (6)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/linkages) - [Aerospace (2)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/aerospace) - [Oil seals (2)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/tag/oil-seals) see all ### Recent posts [Idler Pulley vs Tensioner Pulley: What’s the Difference?](https://blog.btl-uk.com/key-difference-between-an-idler-pulley-and-tensioner-pulley) [What Are Mechanical Linkages and How Do They Work?](https://blog.btl-uk.com/what-is-a-linkage) [How to Measure a Missing V-Belt: Pulley Measurements and Belt Length Calculation](https://blog.btl-uk.com/measure-a-missing-v-belt-guide) [Mechanical Power Transmission Systems: Components and How They Work](https://blog.btl-uk.com/elements-of-mechanical-power-transmission-systems) ### Subscribe to our blog [Request a quote](https://btl-uk.com/contact-btl-uk-ltd/) [![The Manufacturer's Guide To Overcoming Distribution Problems ](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/0bc40963-9f09-4e87-a124-6f0254d1164e.png)](https://blog.btl-uk.com/the-manufacturers-guide-to-overcoming-distribution-problems) [![Free Catalogue](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/3a157c35-1675-4d03-92a8-b792d90da72d.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25963554/3a157c35-1675-4d03-92a8-b792d90da72d) [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25963554/ef47fc19-6aa3-40cf-a6df-637d8e9458e6.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25963554/ef47fc19-6aa3-40cf-a6df-637d8e9458e6) ## Brands - [![BTL-Precision-Link-1](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/BTL-Precision-Link-1.webp)](https://btlprecision-uk.com/) ##### [**BTL PRECISION**](https://btlprecision-uk.com/) ###### BTL Precision is a subsidiary of BTL-UK producing high quality sub-contract high precision engineered components to individual customer requirements. ###### Capabilities include CNC, sliding head and auto lathes and milling machines and gear cutting of timing pulleys, sprockets and gears used in industries including aerospace, automotive, agricultural, motorsport, safety, transport, and telecoms, working together with customers to overcome design and application difficulties. - [![dunlop-1](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/dinlop-1.webp)](https://www.bearings-transmissions-linkages.com) ##### [**DUNLOP**](http://bearings-transmissions-linkages.com/) ###### The Dunlop brand is an instantly recognised symbol of reliability around the world, with a reputation for high-quality products and service. ###### At BTL-UK we have a passion for performance that is built into our company DNA, we are continuously pushing boundaries and developing new, exciting technologies and products. We are proud to be part of this unique heritage as the manufacturer of this prestigious brand. - [![Medway-Link](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/Medway-Link.webp)](https://www.medwaypt.com) ##### [**MEDWAY**](https://medwaypt.com/) ###### Medway represents our ‘AGRI’ product range which offers Vee belts, Timing belts and Micro-V belts. Produced to tight dimension tolerances, they have been designed for use in the harshest of environments. ###### Available in both metric and imperial dimensions, gives a wide range of product options and choice and having good resistance to mineral oils and temperature ranges whilst withstanding high shock loads they are ideal for agricultural applications. - [![MSK-Link](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/MSK-Link.webp)](https://btl-uk.com/msk-medical/) ##### [**MSK MEDICAL**](https://btl-uk.com/msk-medical/) ###### MSK equals high quality and high performing PPE equipment. General purpose civil face protection for the public and company employees, can be obtained cost efficiently whilst more demanding applications FFP2 respirator face masks are fully certified to BS EN 149:2001. ###### CE marked to meet all UK and European regulations. When used in conjunction with MSK face shields this gives care workers maximum reassurance and protection. - [![TC-Oil-Seals-Brands-371x192-1](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/TC-Oil-Seals-Brands-371x192-1.png)](https://btl-uk.com/oil-seals/) ##### [**TC OIL SEALS**](https://btl-uk.com/oil-seals/) ###### Oil Seals also called rotary shaft seals are widely used to prevent the leakage of a medium (such as oil and grease) along a rotating shaft. ###### It is a mechanical component used to seal in the lubricant, oil and grease being the most common liquid substances found in any power transmission system such as an engine, gear box or electric motor, but also seals all general liquid substances. - [![Megachain-link](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hubfs/Megachain-link.png)](https://btl-uk.com/megachain/) ##### [**MEGACHAIN**](https://btl-uk.com/megachain/) ###### MEDWAY MEGACHAIN drive belts are a new generation of low maintenance high performance Antistatic synchronous (Timing) Belts. ###### Offering an additional 25% transmittable power over standard belts and produced from antistatic compounds to be electrical conductive and meet ISO:9563 making them the ideal choice in an explosive atmosphere or in situations where there is a risk of fire. ###### The RPP profile is one of the quietest drive belt systems available on the market today, in addition further reductions in noise can be achieved by reducing belt widths due to the higher performance rating of the system, MEGACHAIN can also be used in existing drive systems without the necessity to replace the pulleys. ##### About Us BTL-UK LTD is proud to be a committed European manufacturer of Bearings, Power Transmission and linkage products, as well as high quality sub-contract precision engineered turned, milled and gear-cut components. We believe in the future of European manufacturing and will continue to focus and further enhance the requirements and expectations of our customers globally. [ACCOUNT REQUEST](https://dbtl-shop.com/customer/account/create/) ##### Downloads - [Product Catalogues](https://btl-uk.com/online-product-catalogues/) - [Product Identification](https://btl-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BTL-19-Product-Identification_compressed.pdf) - [Overcoming Distribution Problems](https://btl-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BTL-UK-Guide-design.pdf) ![placeholder_200x200](https://blog.btl-uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BTL_UK_Theme_July2022/G100-Badge.webp?width=200&name=G100-Badge.webp "placeholder_200x200") ##### Contact Us BTL-UK LTD MPT House, Brunswick Road, Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, Ashford, Kent TN23 1EL United Kingdom  - [+441233 663340](tel:+441233%20663340) - [sales@btl-uk.com](mailto:sales@btl-uk.com) - btl-uk.com ##### Legals - [Terms & Conditions](https://btl-uk.com/terms-and-conditions/) - [Privacy and Cookie Policy](https://btl-uk.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy/) Dunlop & the flying device are trademarks of Sumitomo Rubber Group and are used under license by BTL-UK LTD. MEDWAY, MSK-MEDICAL, TC OIL-SEALS & MEGACHAIN are registered trademarks of BTL-UK LTD © 2026 [BTL-UK.](https://btl-uk.com/) Website designed and maintained by [Liquid Computing](http://liquid-computing.co.uk/). [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/BTL_UK_LTD) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/BTL-UK-LTD-104709252015846/)